Trinity’s impressive run of just the one defeat in fourteen suffered a blip in the penultimate game of 2024 away at Morpeth. And at the same time, Guiseley were being pegged back by Stockton at Nethermoor. The Lions’ fourth draw in five. Guiseley boast league leading scorer, Will Longbottom. A former Trinity loanee, Longbottom has 22 goals to his name in all competitions. The same number netted by Trinity’s top marksman. Declan Howe’s nine in the league’ some eight behind the Guiseley forward, is perhaps in no small part to Trinity’s tremendous cup pedigree this season and Gainsborough still having five games in hand on the side from Leeds.
Managed by Mark Bower, Guiseley have a very experienced manager at the helm and the benches will certainly be looking to play their part in proceedings. The wilily Wilcox will relish the tactical battle, as he looks to secure all three points. Gainsborough will be looking to make it four wins in nine, at home, on Boxing Day, attempting to add to impressive results against Rushall Olympic, Chester and Telford in the cups, results that have seen a steady improvement in the Blues’ home form.
Guiseley have racked up eighteen points (almost half their seasonal total) from their ten away games so far this season, winning five and drawing three. Scoring an average of 1.7 goals per game, whilst conceding 14. 
At 3.1 goals a game, Guiseley matches certainly look to be entertaining! Last season, Trinity completed the league double over Guiseley. A 4-0 win at the Northolme saw Doncaster loanees, Will Flint and Jack Goodman on the mark, alongside Harrison Poulter and midfield maesteo, Bobby Johnson.
The reverse fixture, in early January, saw Dylan Cogill head home a late winner as the Blues secured back to back wins to start 2024 in style. Gainsborough Trinity will be determined to add a little symmetry, with the positive result bring the year to a close, in style! Let’s aim to bring the curtain down in style. With a bumper crowd and a performance to send us into the New Year in high spirits! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas folks! See you on Boxing Day!
Programme
Russ Wilcox fronts the Boxing Day programme, with the backdrop of the Trinity faithful away at Harrogate. He may also be donning a Santa hat… his regular column features in the programme, as are words from our skipper, Dylan Cogill. There is plenty of reading, with articles from Dale Storey, Jamie Johnson and an interesting midway review by Rick Ward, co-host of the NPL Podcast. Each team being rated out of ten for the season’s they have had so far, that and more, available on the turnstiles. Priced at £2.50. Grab them before they’re gone!
Elsewhere
A full schedule of games in the Pitching In Northern Premier League for the traditional Boxing Day feast of football. Though the local derbies seem to be in somewhat short supply for this one! Leek Town will be looking to cause an upset at runaway leaders, Macclesfield, as they look to build on their demolition of Basford United last time out. And, there’s the Derbyshire clash between Matlock and Ilkeston that could see a decent game in there too, as the final jostles take place in the 2024 league standings!
Bamber Bridge vs Lancaster City
Basford United vs Worksop Town
Blyth Spartans vs Whitby Town
FC United of Manchester vs Prescot Cables
Macclesfield vs Leek Town
Matlock Town vs Ilkeston Town
Mickleover vs Ashton United
Stockton Town vs Hebburn Town (1pm)
Warrington Rylands vs Hyde United
Workington vs Morpeth Town
Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)